Liverpool v Burnley preview

11 September 2009 10:12

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Liverpool return to domestic action hoping the beginning of their campaign does not go from bad to worse, while Burnley will be aiming to continue upsetting the odds.
This was supposed to be the season Rafa Benitez's Reds ended a long wait for a league title on Merseyside.
But they have made a horribly stuttering start to their campaign, which has included defeats to Tottenham and Aston Villa, and a late win over Bolton.
Last season's Championship play-off winners Burnley, meanwhile, have shocked many by beating Manchester United and Everton at Turf Moor.
A gruelling fixture list had critics suggesting that Owen Coyle's side would be cast adrift at the foot of the table by the end of September, but they have surprised.
The Clarets, though, will be wary when travelling to Anfield after a heavy defeat at Chelsea suggested there could be weaknesses on away days.
ConcernsBut, with the international break now complete, Liverpool will also have concerns against newly-promoted opposition on home soil following draws against Stoke and Hull City last season, while memories of Barnsley and Watford still haunt.
Liverpool could have Brazilian full-back Fabio Aurelio returning to the squad for the first time this campaign after knee surgery.
But summer signing Alberto Aquilani is still missing as the former Roma star recovers from an ankle injury, while Daniel Agger is sidelined with a back problem.
The likes of Steven Gerrard, Fernando Torres, Dirk Kuyt, Glen Johnson - who has a point to prove following international criticism - and Martin Skrtel were all in World Cup action in midweek.
Burnley are expected to give a debut to David Nugent, signed on loan from Portsmouth, against the club where he began his youth career.
Coyle has Richard Eckersley available again following a one-match ban, while Marten Paterson was in action for Northern Ireland in midweek.
Possible starting XIs
Liverpool: Reina, Johnson, Carragher, Skrtel, Insua, Kuyt, Mascherano, Lucas, Benayoun, Gerrard, Torres.
Burnley: Jensen, Mears, Bikey, Carlisle, Jordan, Alexander, Elliott, McCann, Blake, Fletcher, Paterson.